Women Supporting Women: Interview with BSG’s Co-Founder and 8 Successful Female Nail Artists
Issue No. 057
HELLO AND WELCOME TO BEYOND THE PAINT, A BLOG BY BIO SEAWEED GEL (BSG).
BEYOND THE PAINT WILL BE BRINGING YOU POSTS AND CONTENT THROUGHOUT EVERY MONTH TO LOOK FORWARD TO! STAY TUNED FOR EXPERT ADVICE, EXCLUSIVE NEWS, EXCITING INTERVIEWS, GIVEAWAYS AND MUCH MORE!
Happy International Women’s Day!
As a small family business ran predominantly by women it is important to BSG that we acknowledge and spotlight women and their achievements whilst supporting and empowering female talent in the nail industry.
To celebrate today, we are launching our Spring 2023 Collection: Superstars. A 3-peice reflective gel polish collection created to honour women and is inspired by the resilience & brilliance of women.
We will be bringing you an exclusive interview with Amy Luu, the co-founder and vice president of Bio Seaweed Gel. As well as highlighting a few amazing women, showcasing their stories and advice as a female nail artist, their tips for business success and their personal woman superhero.
INTERVIEW WITH BSG CO-FOUNDER
AMY LUU | VICE PRESIDENT OF BIO SEAWEED GEL
How long you have been in the nail business and how did you get into this industry?
“I have been in the nail industry since December 1996, it has been almost 27 years now. Actually, I started out in the skincare beauty industry as an esthetician focusing mainly on facials and waxing in July of 1996. I began getting interested in nails because in the nail salon I worked at, I started to notice all the pretty nails and toes. It made me realize I can help my customers have beautiful everything in one stop. So, a few months later, I went to nail school and the rest is history.”
How and why did you create BSG?
“Since I started doing nails from 1996-1998, we were very popular with acrylics back then. We noticed even when the products were properly and safely removed (which took over 45 minutes to soak-off) it left our customers' nails very thin, brittle, red and weak. I personally would get major allergic reaction from all of the harsh chemicals. That is when my husband, Michael Luu (president of BSG) and I who ran our nail salons together saw the opportunity to formulate our healthier gel alternative. It took us 8 years of trial and testing on our close customers, friends and family, until we were happy with the quality of our products. Officially on June 19, 2006, we registered Bio Seaweed Gel Limited company.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business? How does it make you feel?
"I feel very proud and satisfied with my purpose in life to be a woman in business. Because this makes me feel independent, happy, and confident. Being a woman in business, I have challenged myself to reach my goals to have financial freedom to support my family and children. I am also very grateful the opportunities I have had to help other people reach their goals."
Do you have any advice or tips for other women who want to start their own business?
"Running your own business is not easy. As long as you believe in yourself and don’t give up, you can do it! Keep doing what you think is right and focus on what you want. Go to school if you can, education is very important."
Who is your woman superhero you would like to give a shoutout to?
"My mom. She was always working very hard and tried to give the best to me and my 5 older brothers. She taught me a lot of lessons: how to be a better person, to be honest and kind to everyone and if I want people to respect me, then I have to firstly respect them too. Without my mom’s support, I would not have been able to go to esthetician and nail school.
What are your personal favourite BSG colours that you like to wear on your nails?
“04 Marshmallow, 36 Sugar and 278 Jelly Bean”
What are your hobbies other than nails?
"I love spending time with my family the most. I like to do gardening and shopping."
8 FEMALE NAIL ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW (AND FOLLOW)
ALYSSA FRONCE | @ALYSSANAILTECH
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I have been a nail tech for over 13 years! I couldn’t think of a more perfect career for myself as I love interacting with clients and forming lasting relationships, but also love being artistic which this path has allowed me to do both!”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business?
“Being a woman in business is very empowering in so many ways! You get to create your own schedule, have the ability to be your own boss and the sky is really the limit when you’re in control. As a new mom, I’ve had the ability to stay at home with my son while also working when it’s convenient for me. I couldn’t ask for a more ideal situation. And for the most part, the nail world is a mostly women dominated career path, and other nail techs and clients are always so encouraging to one another!”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“If would say to push yourself out of your comfort zone all the time. Sometimes growth is uncomfortable but you can’t grow and be successful without it being a little scary at times too!”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“I would say my sister who is also a business owner would be the most important role model in my life! She owns the salon where I work out of and is always so encouraging to all of her employees and pushing them to do better, grow and learn! She opened her own salon 19 years ago and has been unbelievably successful ever since!”
Look features: 277 Peach Tea
PARISA NAMAZI | @TEHRANTONAILS.XO
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I have been in the nail industry for about three years now and it has been such a rewarding experience. I have met people and built connections that I never thought I could before. My clients have not only given me the privilege of doing their nails, but also of opening up their lives to me. They share their struggles, passions, hopes and dreams with me and I could not be more grateful.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“Being a woman in business to me means that I am able to be the representation that I needed when I was growing up. This generation of young women will see that there are many successful women in business, and they will feel empowered to pursue their own business interests. Representation is key and I am so happy to be a part of this new era of representation.”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“Set your boundaries right from the start. Your time and talent is valuable. By setting your boundaries and sticking to them, you will attract clientele that respect and support you.”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“My mother is my superwoman. When she came to this country, she studied to get her pharmaceutical license while she was pregnant with me. Even after I was born, she continued to study, pass her exams and work full-time, while being a mother and a wife, who had a household to take care of. She taught me that it is possible to be a nurturing, caring person all while striving to be successful secularly but that one is not more important than the other. Rather, they complement each other. She is the epitome of a strong, successful woman and my role model”
Look features: 278 Jelly Bean, R7 Citrine
DIANA NGUYEN | @RICEKITTYNAILS
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I’ve been in the nail industry for almost 7 years. Working in the nail industry can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those who are passionate about beauty and helping others feel good about themselves. As a nail technician, you get to use your creativity to enhance the look of others by providing services such as manicures, pedicures, and nail art. In addition to the creative aspect, working in the nail industry also requires strong communication and customer service skills, as building strong relationships with clients is an important part of the job. You will also need to stay current with industry trends and techniques by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions. It can be a fast-paced and physically demanding environment, especially in a busy salon. However, for many people in the industry, the satisfaction of seeing their clients leave the salon with beautiful, well-cared-for nails makes it all worth it.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“Being a woman in business for me means having the entrepreneurial spirit and drive to start, lead, and grow a business venture. Being a woman in business also means being a role model and inspiring other women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. By leveraging their skills and talents, women in business are creating new products, services, and solutions that drive economic growth and improve the lives of others. Overall, being a woman in business requires determination, hard work, and a commitment to one's goals. But it can also be an incredibly rewarding and empowering experience, allowing women to use their skills and talents to make a positive impact in the world.”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“Believe in yourself and your ideas: Starting a business can be challenging, but it is important to believe in yourself and your ideas. Have confidence in your skills, knowledge, and experience, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.
Network and seek mentorship: Building strong professional relationships and seeking guidance from experienced business leaders can help you overcome challenges and grow your business. Seek out networking opportunities and consider finding a mentor who can provide valuable advice and support.
Do your research: Conduct thorough market research to ensure that there is demand for your product or service, and to understand your competition. This will help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Have a solid business plan: Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. This will help you stay focused and organized, and will also be useful when seeking funding or investment.
Stay flexible and adaptable: Running a business often requires quick thinking and the ability to pivot when necessary. Stay open to new ideas and be prepared to make changes as needed to stay competitive and succeed.
Surround yourself with a supportive team: Building a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues is crucial for the success of any business. Seek out people who will support and encourage you, and who can help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals.
These are just a few of the many things to consider when starting a business. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams!”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“My mom is an important woman figure in my life. She is also a business woman and can do it all on her own and I admire her for that. She has taught me these things in life:
1. The importance of love and kindness: My mom has taught me the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
2. The value of hard work: My mom may has shown me the importance of putting in effort and working hard to achieve my goals.
3. The power of perseverance: My mom has taught me to never give up, even in the face of challenges, and to keep pushing forward towards my goals.
4. The importance of self-care and balance: My mom has encouraged my to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, and to find a balance between work and leisure.
5. The value of family and relationships: My mom has taught me the importance of maintaining strong relationships with family and friends.
Overall, my mom is my superhero. And Hello Kitty too!”
Look features: 33 Sweetie
CHERIE RENEE BATES | @KNAILDOM
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I've been in the industry since 2016. That's when I got licensed and started my own mobile nail service in the DMV. It was something I did part time, along side my full-time career in the animal care industry. I took my time going full time as I wanted to be as holistic as possible. I didn't see a lot of that in my area so I was reluctant to go work in a salon full time. As I grew as a nail artist my experience has been great getting to meet and learn from other more experienced techs. I've been a brand ambassador for two gel polish companies, became the instructor at my nail technology school and have finally taken the plunge and become a full-time nail tech/artist”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“Being a woman in business means I get to have a great deal of control over what happens in my daily life. It also means that there are opportunities I can take advantage of by researching grants and support from organizations looking to support women.”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“Advice I would give is Keep Going. It can be scary branching out on your own but your individual voice is just what the world needs. You are a gift and what you have to offer will be welcomed by those who need it so don't give up. Seek help from those who've done stay you're looking to do and keep going. I'm still listening to this advice myself.”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“My mom! She's always supported me in whatever I wanted to do. She taught me to never give up and keep fighting for what you believe in. She also taught me loving yourself and sharing genuine love with ALL people is what God wants us to do.”
Look features: 189 Goldmine, 272 Lemonade Freeze
AISTE HAAS | @HEYGREATNAILS
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I have been in the nail industry now for a little over 3 years. So far my experience has been awesome. During the pandemic I started doing and practicing nail art regularly. I found nail art to be very therapeutic for me and a way I can express my creativity and also connect with like minded people that share the same passion and inspire each other with our creations.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“Being a woman in business is challenging but also rewarding. Throughout my life as a business owner, I have faced discrimination but have always used it as motivation to work harder rather than an excuse.”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“Don't over think. Just go ahead and do what you want to do. There is never a perfect time to start something and don't be afraid to fail because you will learn a lot just from trial and error.”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“There are so many inspiring people in the world and I could not just choose one. I never had an idol; I always try to be my own cheerleader and motivator. Comparing yourself to others can often make you feel worse about yourself. What I like to do is look back on my own work and see how much I achieved and progress I have made. I find it greatly motivating to keep pushing myself.”
Look features: 05 Cotton Angel, 297 Milk or Cream, 298 Meet Me By The Garden, 299 Petit Fours
BRIONNA MOORE | @BRIONNALMOORE
Owner of Nails Down Under Salon
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“8 years I’ve been a part of this growing nail community. It’s been a blessing every step of my way, although I have run into my share of challenges that I had to work through.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“It’s empowering, to be able to show my daughter that she can achieve her dreams. Also, grateful to help other nail techs reach their goals by helping motivate them through my email list and my platform on TikTok.”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“Enjoy the journey and God will lead you places you didn’t even have mapped out. Never be afraid to ask questions or for help. The information is out there, you just simply need to put in the work.”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“Jenna Kutcher, her words and advice have helped teach me that you can live the life you want to live. All while being an amazing mom and wife, you got this Goal Diggers!❤️”
Look features: 05 Cotton Angel
VIVIAN RAHEY | @VIVXUE
Owner of pampernailgallery.com
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I started doing nails in 2016, mostly for fun and then as a way to teach others how to paint!”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“Growing up, my family very much favored boys, and I was always told that I could play a supporting role to the success of the men in my family…so I think this is pretty ironic and satisfying 😅”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“Don’t sweat the little things. Starting anything, everyone has this preconceived notion it all has to be perfect and it grows linearly and perfectly. This is absolutely false. Everyone’s journey is different and extremely messy. Embrace it all and most of all keep your eyes on why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“This is a strange one…but it’s this one scene from Captain Marvel…at the end, Brie Larson is facing off Jude Law. He goes, “you have to prove to me you can fight me man to man”…and she just…shoots him 😂, and says…”I don’t have to prove anything”…she won the fight…probably the most important lesson and distinction for a female leader. We have nothing to prove, and I strive for the same focus in life.”
Look features: S1 Sirius
ELLE C. | @_ELLEC
Owner of Mani Fresh by Elle C.
How long have you been in the nail industry and how has the experience been for you?
“I've been a licensed since 2013 and it's been an amazing and informative ride so far!”
What does it mean to you to be a woman in business
“It's absolutely empowering having a career of my own. I never thought that I'd jump in and it is the most incredible feeling.”
If you could give any advice or tip to your past self or other women who are thinking of starting their own business - what would you say?
“You have to give yourself grace. In business, in general, there are ups and downs. You will get through them all and come out on top!”
Who is an important woman figure in your life or woman superhero and what lesson(s) did they teach you?
“If I could narrow it down to one, I would say, my grandmother, who taught me the meaning of what it is to be kind, respectful, and (my mother also instilled this) authentically YOU.”
Look features: 53 Peaches, 129 Candy Apple, 01 White, 182 Tropical Sun and 216 Flamingo
Thank you to all the amazing women in business for taking the time to be part of our International Women’s Day blog interview. We are honoured to have you part of this celebration and are so proud of each and every one of you!
Women are incredible and there is so much we can learn from each other. We hope these interviews with these 9 incredible ladies gave you a bit of knowledge and inspiration – especially if you are break into the world of nails!
SUPERSTARS GIVEAWAY
We are giving away 10 Superstars Spring 2023 Collection! To enter into this giveaway, simply leave a comment below letting us know who is your female superhero! A total of 10 winners will be randomly selected from the comments: 5 from the Canada blog and 5 from the USA blog. If you are a reader from the US, enter here.
[GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Winners are: Adriene P, Julia H, Bridgette, Judy and Kelly G.]
Try your luck on our next giveaway, find the most recent uploaded blog to enter. Click here to be redirected to all blogs.
57 comments
My mom who is fighting a major health battle with strength and positivity and Malala Yousafzai (activist who fights for women’s rights and education) who is another brave soul. God bless tough women! ❤💪
My bestie is my female superhero! She’s multilingual, has 2 degrees, immigrated from another country and supported her parents and siblings while still making a great life for herself.
My female superhero is my mom! She worked full time and still managed to cook supper every night
My female superhero would be my grandma. She immigrated to Canada not knowing the language and culture while leaving behind everything and everyone she knew. Before covid hit, she would go to a church in chinatown to learn English and would constantly be on the move, helping my mom with her business and tending to her large vegetable garden.
She’s a really stubborn and hardworking lady. I believe my mom and I have definirely gotten those traits from her. ❤
My female superhero is definitely my mom ❤️ moving to a foreign country as a single mom to give us a better future isn’t easy to do. Till this day, she continues to teach me strength, grace and how to enjoy the simple joys in life. There are moments that seem to overwhelming for anyone to handle, yet she continues to push through. Love how this collection launched on Women’s Day to celebrate all the strong women in our lives!
I love this!💜 my female superhero is my grandmother. She came to Canada not knowing any English or French she went through so much but she was always there for us no matter what, she was more than just a grandmother 💜💜
My mom is my female superhero! ❤️